Red Dragon Japanese Maple

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’) is a small-sized tree that is perfect for a small garden or small empty spot in the yard that could use some brightening up throughout the summer. Its dissected, spindly, lace-like leaves resemble a dragon’s claws, hence the name ‘Red Dragon,’ and was introduced in New Zealand by Graham Roberts of Duncan and Davies Nursery in 1991.

It is very similar in growth habit to the Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple, however the Red Dragon Japanese Maple is known for maintaining its rich purple color better than any other small-sized weeping Japanese maple. Turning a brighter red in the spring, the leaves mature into a deep purple-red and hold this color throughout the summer before turning into a brighter purple in the fall. This tree is good for gardens or containers, and does better in partial sun but can withstand full sun. Great as an understory tree as well.